White Pocket Trailhead | Utah
This trailhead is an access point for White Pocket. There are no developed trails in the area, and visitors are encouraged to explore. From the parking area, take the foot path that heads west for about 100 yards to venture into these colorful formations.
Enjoy exploring the awe-inspiring slickrock. These windswept layers of orange, yellow, and white formations were created over time by mineral deposits and shaped by the elements. Please help preserve the geologic formations so that present and future generations can enjoy them today and for years to come.
Hours and Seasons
The spring and fall are the most reliable seasons to visit White Pocket, although severe weather and flooding can happen any time of the year.
During the summer, air temperatures often exceed 100 degrees F (38 degrees C). The air temperature is amplified on the ground, as the sand surfaces bake in the sun and radiate back, creating much hotter hiking conditions than the forecast usually reflects. The area offers very little shade and no water sources. Driving to trailheads is also more challenging than it is at other times of the year, as the sand roads are dry and powdery, requiring more clearance, more-rugged vehicles, and more experience driving in sandy conditions.
In the late summer, generally mid-July through September, the area experiences a monsoon season, when isolated thunderstorms drop bursts of heavy rain. Often the moisture carried by these storms makes road and hiking conditions better by packing down the sand. However, storms can cause localized flash floods that damage or wash out roads, making each of the different roads to the trail unpredictable as some roads to the site may consist of deep sand or thick, slippery clay, and others may cross flood prone washes. There is also a risk of lightning strike when visiting during a thunderstorm.
Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, especially overnight, making hypothermia a risk. Snow and ice can make finding footing on sandstone challenging, and injuries from slipping and falling have occurred.
Features and Services
Drinking Water: There is no drinking water available. Bring plenty of water.
Toilets: There are no toilets available.
Cell Phone and Internet: Cell phones are unreliable in this area, but you may be able to reach 911 even when other numbers do not work. There is no public internet or Wi-Fi.
Pets: Pets are allowed, but they must be kept under control at all times. Waste must be packed out.
Safety and Conditions
You are responsible for your safety. If you get lost, experience a non-life-threatening emergency, or if your vehicle becomes stuck or breaks down, it is your responsibility, not the responsibility of emergency services or the BLM, to deal with the situation.
The roads that access White Pocket Trailhead consist of deep sand and patches of sharp rock. Four-wheel-drive high-clearance vehicles are required. Many visitors become stuck and stranded on the way to this trailhead as a result of attempting the drive without enough experience or in inappropriate vehicles. Visitors are responsible to arrange tow service if they become stuck. If visitors chose to venture into extremely remote backcountry areas like this, it is the visitor’s responsibility to be prepared for all weather conditions and be self-sufficient with plenty of food, water, heat and cold protection for themselves and each person in their party. If you are unsure of your vehicle’s capabilities or simply don’t want to assume the risk, BLM recommends hiring an authorized guide. Information about authorized guides may be found at BLM visitor centers or on our website.
There is no first aid available on-site. Before departure, let someone know where you are and what to do if you do not return on time.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
Because the primary purpose of White Pocket is to provide a primitive experience within an undeveloped natural setting, it may present challenges to accessibility. This trail may pose challenges to visitors with mobility impairments. There are no improved walkways. The ground is uneven terrain and consists of deep sand. There are no other facilities at this site (toilets, picnic tables, etc.).
Descriptions and photos uploaded December 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
Contact Us
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is required. The roads that access White Pocket Trailhead consist of deep sand and patches of sharp rock. Leave all gates as you find them.
White Pocket trailhead is accessed from the House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065). To get to House Rock Valley Road from Kanab, UT, take Highway 89 east for 38 miles. From Page, AZ, take Highway 89 west for 36 miles. The south end of House Rock Valley Road intersects Highway 89A 13.5 miles east of Jacob Lake, Arizona.
From House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065) 23.5 miles south of Hwy 89 or 9.3 miles north of Highway 89A, turn onto BLM 1017. Drive east on BLM 1017 for 6.2 miles and then proceed northeast on BLM 1087. Continue on BLM 1087 until it splits into BLM 1086. Stay left to follow BLM 1086 to the White Pocket Trailhead.
Fees
White Pocket Trailhead and access to White Pocket is free (no fee required) for general visits by the public.
However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the Arizona Strip Field Office, located at the interagency Public Lands Center in St. George, Utah, for more information about special recreation permits.
Stay Limit
Dispersed camping is allowed nearby for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. Please do not camp in the parking lot of the trail head to allow other visitors access.
The nearby Stateline Campground is located on the border of Utah and Arizona on the House Rock Valley Road. The site also is where the northern terminus of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. The massive Paria Plateau provides a stunning, colorful, and rugged landscape and forms the scenic backdrop to Stateline Campground.
This is a free, first-come, first-serve campground. It has 4 sites in Arizona and 4 sites in Utah, each has its own shade structure, designated graveled parking, and fire rings. The campground has 2 vault toilets and several interpretive signs.
There are no trash cans or waste removal services. The campground has no electrical or waste dump hookups. The site has no drinking water. Access roads and parking spaces are unpaved.